Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Curious to know what all the fuss is about with Haruki Murakami’s multi-volume mega-hit novel 1Q84? Spa! magazine recently offered its own 400-character summary of the book, which we’ve further condensed into 100 words here…

Tengo Kawana, cram school teacher & aspiring novelist. Masami Aomame, sports instructor & professional killer. Same elementary school, since gone separate ways, both now involved with “Sakigake” cult. Aomame trying to kill cult leader Tamotsu Fukada; Tengo ghostwriting bestseller by Fukada’s daughter Eriko. Actions of both thought to weaken power of “Little People,” i.e. mysterious global surveillance organization, and spread “antibody” among population. Cult dispatches own agent, Ushikawa, to find Aomame. Aomame trying to meet w/Tengo while dodging Ushikawa. Must also escape from cult, Little People, & parallel world of “1Q84” where all exist simultaneously. Or something like that.

Source: Spa!, May 25